Space investments by billionaire “geeks for space” have brought attention to the burgeoning commercial space startup sector. But now the field of investors is flourishing, driven not just by interest in space, but by companies and ideas generating real excitement and profit potential.
Claude Rosseau, moderator of the Space and Satellite Investors Roundtable at SATELLITE 2020, noted that “a mountain of money” has been flowing into the space sector for the past five years. “This is no longer just a play for billionaires,” he said.
Explore the Show Daily 2020 Post-Show Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
Razor’s Edge Ventures Chief Technologist Tom Loftus said his firm focuses on dual-use technologies with commercial and government applications, including investments in Altamira, HawkEye 360, and Spaceflight Industries. “We feel we can help those companies be successful in government markets while also exploring the commercial market.”
Starbridge Venture Capital’s Lindsey Yee said the firm focuses on early-stage startups where space is the draw, but also looks for Earth markets the technologies can serve. Investments include BridgeSat (LEO optical communications) and Made In Space (3D printing in space). “When a company comes to us, the first question I ask is: Who are your customers?”
Boeing HorizonX Ventures’ Teresa Segura said her team exists because Boeing, a 104-year-old company, is looking to the future. Its portfolio includes Isotropic Systems, Myriota, and Reaction Engines. “We have to take a hard look before we move forward. But if you have a solid plan for how to get there, I’m interested.”
Loftus cautioned that launch is very crowded: “We are in a position of needing more launch vehicles to reach orbit without needing more launch companies.” Remote sensing is also crowded: “The people buying are not looking for raw satellite data. They are looking for that answer that the data provides.” VS
